Quite simply the saddest song I've ever heard, and the most uplifting at the same time. If this list was based purely on emotional connection then this would be #1 with a leg in the air. With his roots in the artsy 'Genesis', Gabriel, Along with Morrisey, leads the way for lyrics and storytelling. A truly gifted communicator and artist.

This has to be the pick of 2 or 3 Journey songs that really do deserve to be in this list. The competion is simply too fierce lol. Probably the song you'd most identify with 80's music, Steve Perry's voice is a true gift from god and is unrivalled in terms of range and power. This track has some truly unforgettable moments.

7. The Stroke by Billy Squire

Sex on Vinyl. One of the most imediately recognizable hooks of all time.

Very difficult to make a list that covers all genres but any 80's list not including at least ONE Smiths song is not worth the paper it's written on IMO. In this, Morrissey demonstrates why he is considered one of the greatest storytellers in modern music. You can't help but lose yourself in his words.

Wow, WHAT a song. The lyrics by Mick Hucknell in this are AMAZING and are the catalyst for its #5 spot. Vocal performance is truly awesome and dispells all the rumours that gingers have no talent lol. Greatest break up song OAT IMO.

Much the same as 'In The Air Tonight' in its unrelenting pulse, this really is shivers down ya spine stuff lol. Probably the best build up to a chorus of any song I've ever heard. Eerie, haunting, Godly, epic, lush, contemplative, deep and catchy are adjectives for this 80's gem. Perfection on tape.

From my favourite band of A.T, this mind bender spans 3 different keys seamlessly and takes you on a journey of wonder and musicianship. There's just so much more to it than first meets the ear. Jeff Porcaro's feel in this quintessential 80's classic is once again brilliant.

The king of funk's defining moment. No song gets people on the dancefloor as quickly as this. The lyrics are sexy and in your face and James was the only guy out there who could pull this off and still look cool. Awesomeness. (Shame about that downsyndrome guy sampling it later on)

How this is not on anyone's list thus far let alone number 1 is beyond me. Decribed by Atlantic record's Ahmet Ertigen as "The perfect pop song", its relentlessness and haunting lyrics transport you into Collins' tormented existence and subsequent release of anger when the drums explode. Perfectly paced, beautifully written, magnificent.

Such a painful list to make as there were 30 odd equally as good songs that missed out. Here are some of those.. 11- Another One Bites The Dust (Queen) 12- Flesh For fantasy (Billy Idol) 13- Only You (Yazoo) 14- Smooth Criminal (Michael Jackson) 15- Enjoy The Silence (Depeche Mode) 16- Started With a Kiss (Hot Chocholate) 17- All My Love (Cold Chisel) 18- It's Only Love (Bryan Adams & Tina Turner) 19- Music & Lights (Imagination) 20- Never Tear Us Apart (INXS) To leave feedback about my list: groovekat@live.com

I always listen to this song. Their voices are beautiful, and it's very calming and mellow music.

I don't expect people to agree with my choices of songs from these artists, or my simple comments, but I figure it's much better to listen to the music and get your own opinion of it. Considering there is not enough words to explain why, or just how much I enjoy these songs.

This Argentinian band came up with the greatest melodies and arrangements!

Wish I could have included: Everybody Wants to Rule the World, 99 Red Balloons, Solsbury Hill, The Caterpillar, Land Down Under, Ceremony, Take On Me, Emotion in Motion, What a Feeling, Paisley Park, A Question of Lust, Church of the Poison Mind, A Forest, Don´t Dream It's Over, Melt With You, It's My Life (talk talk), I Ran, My Life, and Things Can Only Get Better.

A toe-tapping rhythm coupled with a chorus that one can bellow out makes for a good tune. Mark King's slap bass work is second only to Peter Hook's.

4. Wham Rap! by Wham

The first recorded instance of white boys rapping. The rough 'n tumble rhythm of George and Andy belies their subtle critique of '80's Britain.

3. Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat

One of the most evocative songs ever written. Melancholic song charting Jimmy Somerville's experiences of homophobia in his small Scottish town. The video, nearly thirty years on, is still one of the most powerful and thought provoking ever produced.

A cerebral affair from Mr. Datchler et al. Although released on the back of their breakthrough hit 'Shattered Dreams' it peaked at 11 in the UK and limped in at 31 on the US Billboard. A powerful anti-war song akin to Hardcastle it was nearly banned from the US due to its lyrical content.

Criminally underrated both sides of the Atlantic. Video directed by madcap French choreographer Philippe Decouflé who was additionally responsible for the opening and closing ceremonies for Barcelona '92

11. Should I Stay or Should I Go - The Clash 12. Desire - U2 13. Love Kills - Joe Strummer 14. Streams of Wiskey - The Pogues 15. About a Girl - Nirvana Well, I guess it would be easier to choose at least 25 favourite instead of 10. There are so many other great artists who should be on this list, but let's say these here are really my favourites (in no particular order, of course). :-)

This was the tune that put me on the journey to creating my own dance music. It also paved way for the possibilities of what you can achieve with a sampler. A pivotal moment in the late 80's which influenced a large chunk of the 90's.

One of those songs you think has been around since time began. The foundations of the song are timeless.

Guess I must really like music with synths in, judging by the list. There are other tracks that I love equally (such as tracks by The Police, who were one of my favourite bands back in the day) but only enough room for ten. Boo.

Some of my other candidates were When Doves Cry-Prince, Harden My Heart- Quarterflash, Down Under-Men at Work, Love Shack-B-52s, Don't Stop Believing-Journey, and Don't you forget about me-Simple Minds